Located in eastern Pennsylvania north of Philadelphia, Allentown is a city of adventure. It’s home to great museums, including the Allentown Art Museum, the Liberty Bell Museum (with a full-sized replica of its namesake) and the America on Wheels Museum, which highlights vintage vehicles. Entertainment can be found all around, including catching a baseball game at Coca-Cola Park or exploring the Fairgrounds Center. The third most populous city in the state, Allentown is home to more than 120,000 residents. Check out the 10 best suburbs of the Queen City.
10. Lower Macungie Township
- Population: 32,626
- Median Home Value: $266,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A-
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 0
Located in Lehigh County, Lower Macungie Township is about eight miles southwest of downtown Allentown. What started as an agricultural and mining community has grown into quite the suburb. This sizable township has multiple recreational areas, shopping centers and country clubs. Residents enjoy the town’s open space, housing developments and the great education system. Take a look at the new homes in Macungie!
9. Bushkill Township
- Population: 8,574
- Median Home Value: $286,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30.7 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 25
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 26
Bushkill Township has a plethora of open space and hiking opportunities. Whether you’re visiting the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center or taking on the Leroy Smith Hiking Trail, you’ll have your fill of fresh air in Bushkill! Of course, there are plenty of urban amenities throughout the township, including grocery stores, farmer’s markets and places of worship. Find your new home in Bushkill!
8. Upper Nazareth Township
- Population: 6,975
- Median Home Value: $253,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 41
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 6
Upper Nazareth Township is a suburban community sprawling across nearly eight square miles. A variety of grocery stores, locally owned retail stores and places of worship are scattered across the township, so you never have to travel far to get what you need. With the borough of Nazareth nearby and the city of Bethlehem within easy driving distance, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
7. Lower Nazareth Township
- Population: 6,468
- Median Home Value: $295,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 50
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 4
As the name implies, Lower Nazareth Township is located just south of Nazareth. Like its counterparts to the north, Lower Nazareth has a variety of urban delights, including restaurants, retail stores and a stellar education system. One of the township’s more notable establishments was the old Nazareth Speedway; although the track closed in 2004, you can still see where parts of it used to be.
6. Upper Saucon Township
- Population: 17,139
- Median Home Value: $296,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 79
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 2
Upper Saucon Township is located about seven miles south of Allentown. The township saw an explosion of growth in the mid-1800s due to the construction of the North Pennsylvania Railroad. Present-day Upper Saucon Township is home to restaurants, multiple country clubs and DeSales University. With only two violent crimes committed in the past year, Upper Saucon Township is one of the safest cities in Pennsylvania!
5. Upper Milford Township
- Population: 7,821
- Median Home Value: $265,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 19
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 2
Upper Milford Township is located 11 miles south of Allentown. With its hills, barns and fields, the township boasts a quiet, rural atmosphere. Many vintage houses still stand, adding to the area’s charm. There are urban amenities to be found, of course, including restaurants, locally owned businesses and plenty of parks. Browse the new homes available in Milford!
4. Nazareth
- Population: 5,720
- Median Home Value: $179,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 50
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 4
Located about 15 miles northwest of Allentown, Nazareth is a borough in Northampton County. Although small in population, Nazareth packs in the fun. Its streets are lined with restaurants, businesses and places of worship. Pick any major street and you’re guaranteed to find what you need! Residents also have their pick of multiple parks, including one dedicated to dogs. Your new home in Nazareth is waiting for you!
3. South Whitehall Township
- Population: 19,903
- Median Home Value: $232,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 483
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 13
South Whitehall Township is a thriving community located only about five miles west of downtown Allentown. This township is home to sports fields, shopping centers and medical centers. One highlight is Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, an amusement park with fun for the whole family. Additionally, South Whitehall is the first suburb on our list with an A+ school ranking! Check out the new homes in Whitehall!
2. North Whitehall Township
- Population: 16,357
- Median Home Value: $263,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 41
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 9
North Whitehall Township is a great mix of rural and urban lifestyles. On the one hand, it has rich farmland, parks and nature preserves where you can escape city life. On the other, the township has a variety of businesses, a strong education system and the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Families looking for a blend of country and city living will love the diversity in North Whitehall Township.
1. Upper Macungie Township
- Population: 24,764
- Median Home Value: $307,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 256 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 164
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 7
Upper Macungie Township tops the list of Allentown suburbs. This township boasts friendly neighborhoods, a strong sense of community and a top-rated school district. There’s a wealth of activity here, ranging from the clusters of shopping centers in the township’s central district to beautiful parks and hiking trails. Upper Macungie Township is also known for its safety, giving residents plenty of peace of mind.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburbs | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmaus | 11,467 | $175,100 | 23 minutes | A- | 164 | 7 |
| Lower Saucon Township | 10,856 | $302,400 | 25 minutes | A- | 76 | 10 |
| Hellertown | 5,857 | $183,100 | 27 minutes | A- | 49 | 17 |
| Independence Township | 5,444 | $244,500 | 33 minutes | A- | 10 | 3 |
| Greenwich Township, NJ | 5,474 | $331,200 | 40 minutes | A- | 99 | 0 |
| Salisbury Township | 13,947 | $210,700 | 24 minutes | B+ | 154 | 8 |
| Easton | 27,216 | $130,500 | 26 minutes | B+ | 388 | 69 |
| Hanover Township | 11,538 | $290,100 | 26 minutes | B+ | 205 | 41 |
| Palmer Township | 21,463 | $226,900 | 32 minutes | B+ | 264 | 13 |
| Phillipsburg, NJ | 14,212 | $135,300 | 31 minutes | B+ | 295 | 44 |
| Forks Township | 15,635 | $263,600 | 36 minutes | B+ | 98 | 8 |
| Northampton | 9,870 | $167,800 | 25 minutes | B | 79 | 2 |
| Whitehall Township | 27,714 | $182,100 | 23 minutes | B | 898 | 21 |
| Moore Township | 9,393 | $225,000 | 28 minutes | B | 59 | 4 |
| Hackettstown, NJ | 9,463 | $273,600 | 29 minutes | B | 46 | 5 |
| Bethlehem Township | 24,055 | $245,700 | 28 minutes | B | 323 | 18 |
| Lehigh Township | 10,492 | $206,900 | 33 minutes | B | 4 | 3 |
| Lopatcong Township, NJ | 8,322 | $263,100 | 35 minutes | B | 67 | 1 |
| Mansfield Township, NJ | 7,361 | $309,200 | 37 minutes | B | 82 | 1 |
| Blairstown Township, NJ | 5,728 | $337,000 | 41 minutes | B | 30 | 3 |
| Catasauqua | 6,598 | $147,000 | 24 minutes | B- | 101 | 10 |
| Washington Borough, NJ | 6,452 | $210,600 | 36 minutes | B- | 47 | 4 |
| Lehighton | 5,329 | $116,900 | 35 minutes | B- | 104 | 9 |
| Washington Township, NJ | 6,353 | $309,200 | 37 minutes | B- | 50 | 2 |
| Washington Township (Northampton Co., Pa.) | 5,279 | $231,800 | 32 minutes | C+ | 40 | 4 |
| Bangor | 5,237 | $156,700 | 33 minutes | C+ | 51 | 13 |
| Palmerton | 5,344 | $118,500 | 34 minutes | C+ | 89 | 13 |
| Upper Mount Bethel Township | 6,897 | $229,300 | 34 minutes | C+ | N/A | N/A |
| Washington Township (Lehigh Co., Pa.) | 6,782 | $204,800 | 29 minutes | C+ | N/A | N/A |
| Weisenberg Township | 5,240 | $288,300 | 28 minutes | A- | N/A | N/A |
| Williams Township | 6,132 | $294,300 | 33 minutes | A | N/A | N/A |
| Wilson | 7,830 | $125,100 | 30 minutes | A | N/A | N/A |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Pennsylvania Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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